1
as in inspires
to fill with courage or strength of purpose
a pep talk that encouraged the team to get out there and win
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in promotes
to help the growth or development of
asserted that the government should be encouraging small businesses, not smothering them with regulations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in provokes
to rouse to strong feeling or action
the movie's cheap special effects will not encourage audiences to sit on the edge of their seats but to roll in the aisles with laughter
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in urges
to try to persuade (someone) through earnest appeals to follow a course of action
the pastor continues to encourage the couple to work out their problems in hopes of saving their marriage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of encourages
The hotel encourages guests to turn off the lights, climate control systems, and water whenever they are not needed in an effort to conserve resources.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
That directional pressure mirrors the body’s natural flow patterns and encourages fluid to move centrally so it can be processed and eliminated.
—Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 20 Feb. 2026
The mood encourages release, quiet intention, and a confident shift into whatever comes next.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 20 Feb. 2026
Pruning not only helps to develop proper shape and form, but also encourages new growth, promotes high fruit yield, and maintains good tree health.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 19 Feb. 2026
Kepner is passionate about accountability and service journalism and encourages anyone to reach out to her to tell their story or share a tip.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 19 Feb. 2026
The Environmental Protection Agency encourages Americans to only flush toilet paper.
—Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Palmer encourages women to define health on their own terms.
—Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the NMDP Fund, Atlantic Theater Company or a local blood bank to honor Jason’s life.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 19 Feb. 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2026
That directional pressure mirrors the body’s natural flow patterns and encourages fluid to move centrally so it can be processed and eliminated.
—Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 20 Feb. 2026
The mood encourages release, quiet intention, and a confident shift into whatever comes next.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 20 Feb. 2026
Pruning not only helps to develop proper shape and form, but also encourages new growth, promotes high fruit yield, and maintains good tree health.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 19 Feb. 2026
Kepner is passionate about accountability and service journalism and encourages anyone to reach out to her to tell their story or share a tip.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 19 Feb. 2026
The Environmental Protection Agency encourages Americans to only flush toilet paper.
—Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Palmer encourages women to define health on their own terms.
—Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the NMDP Fund, Atlantic Theater Company or a local blood bank to honor Jason’s life.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for encourages
Verb
-
Through his eloquence and relentless drive, Jackson didn’t just keep hope alive for himself; his dream of a vibrant, multiracial America still inspires millions of Americans today.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
-
SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.—
Hilke Schellmann,
Scientific American,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
My commitment has always been to administering justice in a manner that promotes accountability, respects victims, supports the integrity of our legal institutions, and reinforces public confidence that the courts are a stabilizing force — regardless of political climate or external pressure.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Feb. 2026
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The Islamic Republic of Iran’s atrocities against demonstrators opposed to the regime has reportedly resulted in security forces killing at least 19 Iranian Christians, according to Article 18, an organization that promotes religious freedom in Iran.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The aroma of coffee brewing reliably provokes desire.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Deadline can reveal the first trailer for the radical love story revolving around Suzanne and undocumented migrant Osmane, whose relationship provokes a wave of anger and indignation all around them, forcing them to resist.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Adrienne urges Marge to whip the pooch into shape.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Your Dog’s Crate Make a home for your pup outside of your cooking space, urges Aston Moody of Aston Moody Interiors in Columbia, South Carolina.—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The brand cultivates a fun, rebellious, and inclusive culture.—
Susan Stapleton,
Des Moines Register,
9 Feb. 2026
-
That cultivates community on campus, Dassinger added.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
As the emotional Moon stimulates expansive Jupiter, we’ll probably be drawn to a variety of possibilities.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
-
The viral beauty gadget stimulates collagen, boosts circulation, and leaves you with plump, youthful results.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Each change nudges users toward subscriptions.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Feb. 2026
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The stratospheric warming has weakened the high-altitude vortex slightly, which nudges the polar jet stream and allows some Arctic air to escape.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Freep.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The nonprofit Sustainable Ramona fosters sustainability in Ramona via education, partnerships, projects and promotions.—
Julie Gallant,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Success will be recruiting top-quality staff and counsel, and building an office culture that is ethical and fosters pride in work.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Encourages.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/encourages. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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